nounEtymology: alteration of earlier naphthaline, irregular from naphthaDate: 1821
a crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon C10H8 usually obtained by distillation of coal tar and used especially in organic synthesis

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Naphthalene — Naph tha*lene, n. (Chem.) A white crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon, {C10H8}, analogous to benzene, and obtained by the distillation of certain bituminous materials, such as the heavy oil of coal tar. It is the type and basis of a large number of… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

naphthalene — [naf′thəlēn΄, nap′thəlēn΄] n. [earlier naphthaline &LT; NAPHTHA + l + INE3] a white, crystalline, aromatic hydrocarbon, C10H8, produced in the fractional distillation of coal tar: it is used in moth repellents and in the manufacture of certain… … English World dictionary

Naphthalene — Not to be confused with Naphtha, a broad term describing liquid hydrocarbon mixtures. Naphthalene … Wikipedia

naphthalene — A carcinogenic and toxic hydrocarbon obtained from coal tar; used for many syntheses in industry and in some moth repellents; n. can cause an attack of hemolytic anemia in individuals with a deficiency of glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase. SYN … Medical dictionary

naphthalene — naph|tha|lene [ˈnæfθəli:n] n also naph|tha [ˈnæfθə][U] a type of oil used for ↑fuel or for making chemicals … Dictionary of contemporary English